Norris 'strong contender' for top bank job

Air New Zealand chief executive Ralph Norris is tipped to be a candidate for the top job at Commonwealth Bank.

Australian banking analysts said Norris was one of four candidates who could potentially lead the Australian bank, whose long-serving boss David Murray was seen as a candidate for the top job at Telstra.

"He'd be a great hire," said one analyst, pointing to Norris' strong performance over 10 years as head of CBA subsidiary ASB Bank.

A spokesman for Norris said while the Air NZ head was "obviously flattered" that some believed he would be right for the role, the talk was purely speculative.

"He remains committed to Air New Zealand," the spokesman said.